as a BTF ref I can categorically say they are banned in any event run under BTF rules - as they are under ITU rules. despite that, people still try to run with them - usuaully newbies who don't know the rules - but they will get stopped and asked to remove them. failure to do so will result in a DQ. to be fair, the vast majority don't even try to use them as they know the rules.

events run by other organisers such as the Abud Dhabi tri may have other rules in place that do allow them but it's unusual. WTC ban them in IM races although I have seen people wearing them.

I'm reminded of that girl at Outlaw that was using a metronome during the run, but got round the 'no headphones' rule by having beeping at her (and everyone else) through a loudspeaker for the whole marathon.

So a question for FB: is it the headphones that are banned, or was she breaking the rules?

There was also a guy at the Outlaw that had a MP3 player and speaker taped to his crossbar on the bike, it wasn't particularly loud but you could hear it 20m away? I wouldn't mind but he had terrible taste in music!!

But I always ride with headphones in - I get tired listening to all those cars drivers beeping at me

8.1 Any equipment that acts as an impediment to hearing or concentration is prohibited from use during an event (including transition). This includes, but is not limited to, mobile telephones (which should be switched off if stored in transition), personal stereos and MP3 players

penalties for banned equipment is a DQ if the fault is not rectified after a warning

the "impediment to hearing or concentration" applies not solely to the athlete concerned but also if it interferes with others

so - technically she came under the "not limited to" wording. similar for the guy with the bike speakers, although that's probably personal stereo.

thinking about the metronome thing, I'm not sure it qualifies under that rule as I guess it's no more annoying than running next to someone who has their HRM beeping away at them - that usually gets on my tits - but I've not heard of anyone being told to turn the beeper off. I'm trying to work out what benefit a metronome would have to her - setting a rhythm is the only thing I can think of but what an odd way to do so!

I know some foreign races are more lax. Remember tweeting with Brit Pro Tamsin Lewis over using one in one of her races abroad - might have been the run course on AdH? Possibly a Challenge event? can't remember the details but it was def allowed under the specific rules of that event.

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